Cost of Living: Fargo, ND vs Athens, GA (2026)

Fargo

North Dakota
73
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Fargo is 12% cheaper than Athens.

$916/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↑ 27%
$66,029/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 22%
$269,800 ≈ Same
Home Value
$271,800 ≈ Same
$997/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↑ 17%
129,064
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.98%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

16.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fargo, ND and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $246/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $2,952/year.

Median household income is $14,374/year higher in Fargo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fargo is $269,800 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

North Dakota has a lower income tax rate, making Fargo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo vs Athens — common questions

Is Fargo or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fargo and Athens?
Median rent in Fargo is $916/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $246/month.
Which city has higher income, Fargo or Athens?
Median household income is $66,029 in Fargo and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $14,374/year higher in Fargo.
How do taxes compare between North Dakota and Georgia?
North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Fargo or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Fargo has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $916/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Fargo details → View Athens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fargo and Athens

Fargo vs. Santa Clara Fargo vs. Norman Fargo vs. Carrollton Fargo vs. Lewisville Fargo vs. New Haven Fargo vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Abilene Athens vs. Topeka Athens vs. Columbia Athens vs. Pearland Athens vs. Lehigh Acres Athens vs. Simi Valley